Who Should I Start? Luke McCaffrey or Jalen Royals

Tuesday, July 29, 9:29 PM

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said he's seen "the year one to the year two jump" and is "encouraged" by the work wide receiver Luke McCaffrey has put in over the offseason. Washington drafted McCaffrey in the third round out of Rice in 2024, and he did not contribute much on offense as a rookie. In 17 games, McCaffrey recorded 18 catches for 168 yards and zero touchdowns. Heading into 2025, the 24-year-old appears to be battling veteran Noah Brown for the WR3 role in Washington behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. However, McLaurin (ankle) is currently on the active/PUP list with an ankle injury and is engaged in a very public contract dispute with the team, so there's some added uncertainty at the position. A strong showing in the preseason could go a long way toward solidifying McCaffrey's role within the offense.

Friday, July 25, 1:10 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals continues to impress early in training camp and had one of the best days on the field during practice on Friday, according to Jesse Newell of The Kansas City Star. Royals had an impressive back-shoulder sideline catch on a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he continues to work in with the starting offensive unit. The 22-year-old fourth-round selection also turned heads in Wednesday's practice while working alongside Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, almost of his time with the first-team offense has come when Rashee Rice hasn't been on the field. It's notable because of the fact that Rice could be suspended three or four games to start the 2025 season, so Royals could have a role early on for the Chiefs. When Rice is available, though, Royals will face an uphill battle for consistent playing time, especially with KC using a lot of two-TE formations.